by brady kay | photos by steve thayer

Excitement is in the air as the Idaho Falls Spud Kings make their debut in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the 2026–27 season. The Spud Kings join as one of five charter teams in the newly formed NAHL Mountain Division alongside the Ogden Mustangs, Grand Junction River Hawks, Pueblo Bulls, and Billings Cattle Punchers. The move should bring a higher level of talent and competition to the city of Idaho Falls.

“We’re incredibly excited to join the North American Hockey League. It has been one of the most well-respected and established junior hockey leagues in the country for over 50 years,” said Vice President Chris Hall. “We expect the quality of play to rise for all four Mountain Division teams that joined. We are so lucky to have an amazing reputation here in Idaho Falls because of the fans, facilities, and staff. We hope the combination of our own reputation and an outstanding league helps make Idaho Falls the premier Tier II junior hockey destination.”

To keep continuity behind the bench as the organization prepares for its inaugural season in the North American Hockey League, the Idaho Falls Spud Kings signed Head Coach Anthony Bohn to a multi-year contract extension this off-season. In his two years with the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, Bohn has led his team to back-to-back Dineen Cup Championship Series runs.

“On behalf of myself and our entire organization, we could not be more proud and excited to announce that we have signed Head Coach Anthony Bohn to a multi-year agreement to remain with the Idaho Falls Spud Kings,” said team president Kevin Greene. “Coach Bohn has been instrumental in the success of our on-ice product and assures us of being positioned to be amongst the best hockey teams throughout the NAHL for years to come.”

Since taking over as head coach, Bohn has built a program centered on player development, accountability, and a relentless standard of competition. His teams have consistently competed near the top of the standings.

“The opportunity to continue leading the Spud Kings is one I don’t take lightly,” stated Coach Bohn. “We’ve built a strong culture here, and I’m excited to keep pushing our program forward as we enter the NAHL. Our players, staff, billets and fans have all played a role in building what we have today, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together.”

The extension provides continuity for the organization as the Spud Kings continue assembling their roster for the 2026-27 season and preparing for their NAHL campaign. The organization remains committed to developing talented young players, competing at a high level, and continuing to build a program that players, families, and fans are proud to support.

The Spud Kings have competed in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) since its inception in 2022, winning the Dineen Cup Championship in 2025. The Spud Kings won their first NCDC Mountain Division title in 2024–25 and went on to claim the Dineen Cup championship. That season, forward Charlie Durkin earned NCDC Mountain Division MVP honors and had prior NAHL experience, giving him a head start on the new league.

The move to the NAHL was announced in June, marking a Tier II jump from Tier III NCDC. The NAHL’s affiliation with USA Hockey and its reputation for higher-level play and direct pathways to college and pro hockey were key selling points for the franchise.

For more information, including season ticket opportunities and team updates, visit spudkings.com.